T-Jacks out to cuff the Outlaws

Timberjacks shoot for their fourth straight victory

Nico Fulsom of the M&M Timberjacks cuts inside a Door County Destroyers defender during their Aug. 3 game at Spies Field. The Timberjacks will play host to the Outagamie Outlaws Saturday at 6 p.m. EagleHerald/Billy Betts

MENOMINEE - The M&M Timberjacks style of football is reminiscent of how football was played years ago.

Stifling defense and a smash-mouth run game. Enough said.

The T-Jacks (3-0) enter their game against Outagamie County Outlaws boasting the best defense in the league, outscoring their opponents 86-19 while not giving up an offensive score.

Coach Joe Plautz has made full use of the most depth he's ever had.

"We have ten starting-caliber linebackers and several excellent players up front and in the secondary," Plautz said. "With the depth we have, it's easy to keep guys fresh because the next guy steps in and does a great job."

Willy Cornelius is second in the WSFL in sacks with 3.5 and Josh Payne Ryan Wortner and Derek Rye have played a key role in keeping opponents offenses off the field.

Injuries, work and special events have made it hard for Plautz to have the same group of players each week on offense, but, like the defense, the depth is great.

The M&M team has four players with 100 yards rushing or more, led by Mike Hansen, who has accumulated 352 yards on the ground, most in the league, and 41 receiving yards.

Wortner, Ryan La Count, Nico Fulsom, Randy Hoheneder and Earl Uhl all run the ball and have excelled when given the opportunity.

Plautz raves about the abilities of Fulsom, who plays all over the field and can even do some kicking,

"I feel Nico is a similar player to Randy Hoheneder. A guy that can do a lot of things for our football team," Plautz said. "There are so many guys on this team that can make things happen. I really like the talent we have."

Against Dodge County last week, Outagamie County quarterback Alex Whitney accounted for 445 yards of total offense with 325 passing yards and 120 yards rushing.

After such a strong week, Whitney earned semi-pro player of the week honors in all of semi-pro football.

Whitney has thrown for 640 yards with five touchdowns and also has rushed for 243 yards. Brandon Clark leads the team with 275 receiving yards and Steve Peters has added 177.

According to Plautz, Whitney is the best quarterback in the league and a player that does it all for his team.

"If we're going to be successful, we have to contain Alex and force him to stay in the pocket," Plautz said. "They like to spread the ball out and mix things up on offense."

If the T-Jacks maintain their defensive inensity, opposing teams will have to shut out the M&M squad in hopes of a victory.

"If we can put pressure on the quarterback and play our style of running the football on offense, I feel pretty good about our chances this Saturday," Plautz said. "After a week off to rest, I think we'll be ready to go focused to win."